Joining element for sheet piles

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a preformed weldable sheet pile ( 10 ) having a consistent cross-section, for the purpose of constructing an arrangement of sheet pile wall components, and particularly for the purpose of constructing a combi sheet pile wall. The weldable sheet pile according to the invention has a first flank ( 12 ), wherein a preformed weld end ( 26; 90 ) is constructed on the longitudinal edge of said first flank [( 12 )] to be welded onto a sheet pile wall component ( 62 ) of the arrangement ( 50 ), has a second flank ( 14 ), wherein an interlock ( 30 ) is formed on the longitudinal edge of said second flank [( 14 )] for the purpose of linking into the interlock of a further sheet pile wall component of the arrangement ( 50 ), and has a center web [( 16 )] which runs in a straight line and which connects the two flanks ( 12, 14 ) to each other. The center web ( 16 ) runs at an angle to each of the two flanks ( 12, 14 ), as viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile ( 10 ), in such a manner that the weldable sheet pile ( 10 ) is substantially z-shaped in cross-section.

The invention relates to a preformed weldable sheet pile, having a consistent cross-section, for the purpose of constructing an arrangement of sheet pile wall components, particularly for the purpose of constructing a combi sheet pile wall. The invention also relates to an arrangement according to claim 17 consisting of multiple sheet pile wall components, wherein said arrangement includes such a weldable sheet pile.

Arrangements consisting of sheet pile wall components have been known for a long time, wherein the same are, for example conventional sheet pile walls consisting of sheet piles which are coupled to each other, or are so-called combi walls. In the latter, sheet pile wall components having varying flexural and tensile strength, such as double T beams, T beams, or tubular piles, and conventional sheet piles are combined with each other. When conventional sheet pile walls are constructed, the sheet piles are coupled to each other by means of their interlocks. However, when a combi sheet pile wall is constructed, the carriers, wherein the sheet piles are attached to the latter, must be retrofitted with corresponding interlocks, wherein the sheet piles being arranged between the carriers are linked into said interlocks.

Because a conventional carrier, such as a double T beam, typically does not have an interlock molded onto the carrier, either additional connection elements are used, wherein the same are linked into the carrier in a positive-fitting manner by means of being slid onto a preformed attachment section of the carrier, for example, or a weldable element is welded onto the carrier, wherein said weldable element includes an interlock which connects to the interlock of the sheet pile. Such weldable elements are known from, by way of example, DE 201 21 727 U1 or DE 101 60 125 A1.

Proceeding from this prior art, the problem addressed by the invention is that of improving the current prior art, particularly as concerns the construction of combi sheet pile walls.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a preformed weldable sheet pile having the features of claim 1. In addition, the problem is solved by an arrangement of multiple sheet piles, wherein the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is used in the arrangement.

An essential aspect of the invention is the idea that, to construct an arrangement of sheet pile components, particularly to construct combi sheet pile walls, it is not necessary to use the conventional weldable element, and moreover it is also not necessary to use the sheet piles linked into the same. For this reason, according to the invention, a preformed weldable sheet pile is suggested which is not only directly welded to the sheet pile component, but also possesses a sufficiently high section modulus such that it becomes possible to leave out the sheet piles which were linked up to now into the weldable element. According to the invention, this is first achieved in that the weldable sheet pile according to the invention has a preformed weld end which is designed to be welded directly to the sheet pile component. In addition, the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, when viewed in the cross-section thereof, is constructed with a width which makes it possible for the weldable sheet pile to substitute for the sheet pile which was previously linked into the weldable element. According to the invention, the weldable sheet pile has a z-shaped cross-section for this purpose, and the section modulus thereof is so high that the weldable sheet pile can withstand both the forces applied during the insertion of the sheet pile into the ground, and also the forces which the sheet pile will be subjected to later. In this context, it should be noted that the term “preformed weldable sheet pile” according to the invention means a weldable sheet pile which is already given its final shape at the time of manufacture, and the form thereof is finalized immediately after production of the sheet pile. The term, “preformed” is intended to make it clear that the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is not a sheet pile which is produced by a retroactive separation of interlocks, for example at the site of installation of the combi sheet pile wall. Rather, the preformed weldable sheet pile is more importantly a product which is manufactured in large numbers and which should be installed without further processing and is particularly not a product made to specification which is produced by retroactively modifying conventional sheet piles.

A further essential advantage of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is that, according to the type of the arrangement of sheet pile wall components, it is even possible to entirely do without conventional sheet piles. This is explained in detail below.

Finally, it should be noted that the weldable sheet pile according to the invention has a consistent cross-section as viewed along the entire length thereof, and all aspects of the description below are given with respect to the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile.

Advantageous implementations of the invention are found in the following description, in the dependent claims and also in the figures.

The first and the second flanks, viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile, preferably have the same length. This is particularly a result of the fact that the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is preformed, rather than produced by retroactive separation from a conventional sheet pile, wherein the latter results in the shortening of one of the flanks.

In order to achieve an arrangement of the sheet pile wall components which is as consistent as possible, and particularly to achieve a straight alignment of the additional sheet pile component which is linked into the weldable sheet pile, the first and the second flanks run at least nearly parallel to each other. However, as an alternative, it is also possible to design the flanks in such a manner that the flanks run in planes which cut each other at a prespecified angle, for example in order to construct so-called closed cells, wherein the sheet pile components are coupled to each other to create an arrangement which closes into itself. As such, the flanks run at an angle to each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, the interlock is designed in such a manner that the section modulus of the interlock with respect to tensile forces (when the interlock of the sheet pile component is linked into another interlock) is greater than the section modulus of the transition between the first flank and the center bar, and greater than the section modulus of the transition between the second flank and the center bar. In this manner, the configuration ensures that extremely high tensile forces exerted on the weldable sheet pile, wherein the same can occur, by way of example, when a sheet pile wall component linked into the weldable sheet pile impacts an object in the earth, such as a rock, during the process of ramming the sheet pile into the ground, do not lead to the interlocks being broken, wherein the same are engaged in each other. Rather, the weldable sheet pile makes it possible for the z-shaped section formed by the two flanks and the center web to yield in a defined manner by the elongation thereof, thereby dissipating the incipient tension. This is particularly very important in cases where the stability of the arrangement of sheet pile wall components is not ensured by the sheet piles themselves, but rather by the carriers linked into the same. This configuration of the weldable sheet piles according to the invention makes it possible for the arrangement as a whole to remain tight, while at the same time preserving the stability of the arrangement.

In addition, it is particularly advantageous if the interlock of the weldable sheet pile is formed and shaped in such a manner that the joint consisting of the interlock and the connecting interlock of the further sheet pile wall component maintains an ability to pivot at an angle of at least ±5°, and preferably at least ±10°, from the neutral position in which the second flank of the weldable sheet pile and the flank of the sheet pile wall component, the same being linked into the interlock of the weldable sheet pile, lie flush against each other. The ability of the two interlocks engaged in each other to pivot also makes it possible for the interlocks to execute a compensating movement, at least within thresholds, thereby simultaneously preventing a break in the interlocks.

For the purpose of simplifying the welding process, and improving the formation of the welded bead between the weldable sheet pile according to the invention and the sheet pile wall component, a particularly preferred embodiment of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is suggested wherein a welding flange is provided on the weld end. The welding flange is shaped in such a manner that it projects beyond both of the flat sides of the first flank, and preferably evenly on both sides, wherein the side of the flange which faces away from the first flank is brought to rest on the sheet pile wall component before being welded thereto.

In this embodiment, it is furthermore particularly advantageous if the side of the flange which faces away from the first flank has a concave shape when viewed in cross-section. This configuration simplifies the welding of the weldable sheet pile onto particularly curved or uneven surfaces.

In addition, it is suggested that the cross-section of the welding flange, in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile, is designed in such a manner that the welding flange runs at a right angle to the first flank. However, it is also possible to design the welding flange with an angle greater than 90° to the first flank. The latter is reasonable in cases where the weldable sheet pile should run at a defined angular position with respect to the sheet pile wall component, but wherein the further sheet pile wall component being linked into the weldable sheet pile must nevertheless be arranged in a straight line thereto.

The weld end of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention can, however, be designed with no welding flange, and end, for example, in a rounding or include a bevel disposed on at least one of the flat sides of the first flank.

The angle between the center web and the first flank is preferably in the range between 90° and 145°, and particularly preferably in the range between 120° and 145°, while the angle between the center web and the second flank is likewise preferably in the range between 90° and 145°, and particularly preferably in the range between 120° and 145°. In this case, the angles are preferably selected such that the second flank runs as flush as possible with the profile of the sheet pile wall component linked into the interlock of the second flank. The angles are further selected such that the bending moment defined by the angles, said bending moment being directed into the transition zones where the center web transitions into the two flanks, is sufficiently high in cases of extreme tensile stress exerted on the interlock of the weldable sheet pile that the z-shaped weldable sheet pile is even optionally extended and reshaped into a flat sheet pile.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, a thickening of the material is incorporated into the transition between the first flank and the center web, and into the transition of the second flank and the center web, for the purpose of specifically increasing the section modulus of the weldable sheet pile in these transition zones. Here as well, it is suggested that the section modulus of each transition zone is prespecified in such a manner that, under extreme tensile loads, the interlock of the weldable sheet pile does not break, but rather the section of the weldable sheet pile which runs in a z-shape yields to the force. The thickening of material is preferably configured on the inside corner of each transition zone, and gently transitions from the flat side of each flank to the center web, forming a radius, in order to achieve the most even possible tension profile.

According to the intended application of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, the same can have various different interlock shapes.

However, a configuration of the interlock as a headrail with an oval cross-section has proven particularly preferred, wherein the primary axis of the oval of the headrail runs at a right angle to the second flank, and the width of the oval is at least two or three times the material thickness of the second flank when viewed in the dimension of the primary axis. This interlock shape is characterized by a very high section modulus, both with respect to tensile loads and flexural loads, and at the same time allows a high range of pivot movements for the sheet pile wall components linked into the interlock.

As an alternative, it is suggested that the interlock is designed to have the cross-section of a claw rail, having two hook-shaped rails which run in a symmetric course with respect to the second flank, wherein the hook-shaped rails delimit a jaw of the interlock. In this case, the thickness of each hook rail preferably corresponds at least approximately to the thickness of the second flank. In this case as well, the claw rail offers very good values for the pivoting of the linked interlocks. In addition, the claw rail is characterized by a very high section modulus, particularly with respect to tensile forces, due to its symmetric shape.

In a preferred embodiment of the claw rail, both hook-shaped rails have a bow shape and enclose an interlock chamber which is oval in its cross-section, wherein the primary axis of the oval runs perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the second flank. This interlock is particularly well suited for connecting to so-called PZ sheet piles (ball-and-socket sheet piles).

In an alternative implementation of the claw rail, each hook rail has a short connecting segment which runs at least nearly at a right angle to the second flank, and a transition segment which runs at least nearly parallel to the second flank connects to the connecting segment, wherein the free end of said transition segment transitions into a hook section which runs at least nearly at a right angle to the second flank. This shape of the hook rail results in an interlock chamber which is at least nearly square or rectangular, when viewed in cross-section. This shape of the claw rail not only provides sufficient pivoting for the interlock of the sheet pile wall component being linked into the interlock chamber, said sheet pile wall component being, for example, a ball interlock of a PZ sheet pile, but also enables a movement of the interlock of the sheet pile wall component being linked into the claw rail in the axial dimension, meaning as viewed in the longitudinal dimension of the second flank (seen in cross-section). This is particularly advantageous in cases where the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is attached to a tubular pile as the carrier, because tubular piles have been shown to have large deviations along their axial dimension with respect to their cylindrical shape, axially parallel orientation, and roundness. The design of the interlock as a rectangular claw rail leads to a particularly fail-safe connection of the interlocks, and also a particularly fail-safe ramming of the sheet pile wall components linked by said interlocks.

In addition, in an alternative embodiment of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, the interlock is designed as a Larssen interlock, wherein the Larssen interlock of the weldable sheet pile is sized and shaped in such a manner that the Larssen interlock of the sheet pile wall component being linked into the weldable sheet pile can pivot at least ±5° from the neutral position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to an arrangement of sheet pile wall components, wherein the arrangement includes at least one weldable sheet pile according to the invention. The arrangement of sheet pile wall components in this case can be a conventional sheet pile wall arrangement of sheet piles coupled to each other, wherein the weldable sheet pile is welded to one of the sheet piles of the sheet pile wall arrangement and forms a connection to another sheet pile section, for example.

In a particularly preferred configuration, the arrangement is designed as a combi sheet pile wall, wherein the weldable sheet pile according to the invention is welded to a carrier, such as a double T beam, a tubular pile or the like, for example, and wherein either a sheet pile or, precisely, a further weldable sheet pile according to the invention, or optionally a conventional weldable element, is linked into the interlock of the first weldable sheet pile.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement is formed only of tubular piles and weldable sheet piles according to the invention, wherein two weldable sheet piles according to the invention are welded onto each tubular pile. The tubular piles attached to the weldable sheet pile according to the invention are then rammed into the earth in such a manner that the weldable sheet pile of the first tubular pile can be linked into the weldable sheet pile of the directly adjacent tubular pile. In this manner, it is possible to construct a combi sheet pile wall, with the least possible effort, which is extremely resistant to loads, and particularly, the weldable sheet piles can also compensate for extreme deviations in the tubular piles with respect to the cylindrical shape, the axially parallel orientation and the roundness thereof. Because tubular piles, compared to other carriers, such as T beams and double T beams, are comparatively simple to manufacture, it is possible to construct comparatively cost-effective combi sheet pile walls using tubular piles. In addition, this type of arrangement is particularly suited for countries where used pipe is available which can be used as the tubular piles.

The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to one embodiment, as well as multiple adaptations of the embodiment, with reference to the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of the end face of a weldable sheet pile according to the invention, having a headrail as an interlock, and having a welding flange on the weld end thereof;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the end face of a first adaptation of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, having a C-shaped claw rail as the interlock;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an arrangement of two tubular piles which are linked into each other by means of the weldable sheet piles shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged illustration of the interlocks in the arrangement in FIG. 3, the interlocks being engaged in each other;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the end face of a second adaptation of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, having a claw rail, wherein the interlock chamber thereof is at least nearly rectangular when viewed in cross-section;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an arrangement of two tubular piles which are linked into each other by means of the weldable sheet piles shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged illustration of the interlocks in the arrangement in FIG. 6, the interlocks being engaged in each other;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a third adaptation of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, having a Larssen interlock with no offset;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a fourth adaptation of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, having a Larssen interlock constructed with an offset;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of an arrangement of two tubular piles which are linked into each other by means of the weldable sheet piles shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged illustration of the interlocks in the arrangement in FIG. 10, the interlocks being engaged in each other; and

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a fifth adaptation of the weldable sheet pile according to the invention, wherein the weld end is rounded.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a weldable sheet pile 10 according to the invention. The weldable sheet pile 10 has a consistent cross-section along its entire length when viewed along its length. The weldable sheet pile 10 has a first flank 12 and a second flank 14. As seen in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile 10, both flanks 12 and 14 run in planes which are at least nearly parallel to each other and have at least nearly the same axial length.

Both flanks 12 and 14 are connected via a common, straight center web 16, wherein the first end and the second end thereof transition into the end of the first flank 12 and into the end of the second flank 14, respectively. The center web 16 and the first flank 12, as well as the second flank 14 are each positioned at an angle to each other, when viewed in the longitudinal dimension thereof, such that the weldable sheet pile 10 has a substantially z-shaped form when viewed in cross-section. In this case, the angle α between the first flank 12 and the center web 16 corresponds to the angle β between the second flank 14 and the center web 16. Both angles α and β are within the range from 130° to 145°.

A thickening 20 of the material is formed at the transition 18 between the first flank 12 and the center web 16 in the inside corner thereof, in order to increase the rigidity of the weldable sheet pile 10 in this region. The thickening 20 of the material in this case is rounded off and transitions gradually into the flat side of the first flank 12 and of the center web 16, forming a radius R. Similarly, the transition 22 between the second flank 14 and the center web 16 has a rounded-off thickening 24 of material.

A welding flange 26 is molded onto the free end of the first flank 12, the same serving as the weld end as described below. Said welding flange 26 projects beyond the two flat sides of the first flank 12. The welding flange 26 in this case is molded onto the first flank 12, at least nearly in the center thereof, and runs at least nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the first flank 12 as viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile 10. In addition, the welding flange 26 is designed with a concave cross-section along its entire length on the flange side 28 which faces away from the first flank 12, particularly for the purpose of simplifying the welding of the welding flange 26 onto curved or uneven surfaces.

The free end of the second flank 14 has an interlock 30 which is designed in the form of a headrail 32 in the illustrated embodiment. The headrail 32 has an oval cross-section, and the primary axis a of the oval runs at least nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second flank 14. The width b of the oval in this case, as viewed along the dimension of the primary axis a, corresponds to a measure which is two to three times the thickness d of the second flank 14. The thickness c of the oval at its thickest point, as viewed perpendicular to the primary axis a, is at least nearly 0.5 to 0.8 times the width b of the oval. The headrail 32 in this case is rounded off in such a manner and shaped such that it can be used as an interlock for a conventional PZ sheet pile (ball-and-socket sheet pile).

The weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1, when being used with its welding flange 26, is welded onto a carrier, for example, such as a double T beam, a tubular pile or the like. Next, the interlock can be linked into a conventional PZ sheet pile, or to another sheet pile wall component, for example to a weldable element which is part of another carrier.

It is particularly advantageous if the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1 is directly combined with the adaptation 10 a of the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 2.

The adaptation 10 a shown in FIG. 2 has substantially the same cross-section shape as the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1, such that the components of the adaptation 10 a having the same form are indicated by the same reference numbers. The only difference is the shape of the interlock 30, which in the present case is designed with a C-shaped claw rail 40. The claw rail 40 has two hook-shaped rails 42 and 44 which run in a symmetric course with respect to the second flank 14. Both of the hook-shaped rails 42 and 44 run along a bow-shaped curve beginning at the end of the second flank 14, and enclose an interlock chamber 46 having an oval cross-section. The ends of the hook-shaped rails 42 and 44 run toward each other, but are nevertheless distanced from each other in such a manner that an interlock jaw 48 remains. The claw rail 40 in this case is sized and shaped in such a manner that it can receive the head rail of a conventional PZ sheet pile.

As already explained, the adaptation 10 a shown in FIG. 2 is used in a particularly preferred configuration with the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1, as is explained below with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a section of an arrangement 50 of multiple sheet pile wall components.

The arrangement 50 is formed of a plurality of tubular piles 52 as carriers and/or sheet pile wall components, wherein the same are arranged at a consistent distance from each other and are installed in the ground. In FIG. 3, two of these tubular piles 52 are illustrated. One sheet pile wall segment 54 is situated between each two adjacent tubular piles 52. In the arrangement 50 shown in FIG. 3, this sheet pile wall segment 54 is formed by the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Each weldable sheet pile 10 and/or 10 a is welded for this purpose to the outer shell surface of each tubular pile 52, via the welding flange 26. The length of the weldable sheet pile 10 and/or 10 a is adapted to the length of each tubular pile 52, and at least approximately corresponds to that length. The headrail 32 of the weldable sheet pile 10 is linked into the claw rail 40 of the weldable sheet pile 10 a. A further weldable sheet pile 10 and/or 10 a is welded onto the side of each tubular pile 52 which faces away from the weldable sheet pile 10 and/or 10 a (indicated by a dashed line), and the respective weldable sheet pile 10 and/or 10 a is coupled to further weldable sheet piles or to other PZ sheet piles, or to weldable elements.

The headrail 32 and the claw rail 40, the same being engaged in each other, are sized and shaped in such a manner that both of the interlocks are able to pivot within a range from approximately ±10° to ±20° beyond the neutral position N, the latter being the position wherein both of the interlocks 14 of the two weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a run at least nearly in a common plane. This is shown in an enlarged illustration of the interlock arrangement in FIG. 4. Due to the ability of the interlock arrangement shown in FIG. 4 to pivot, the configuration ensures the mobility of the entire arrangement 50 required for the ramming of the tubular piles 52 into the ground, such that it is possible to prevent the interlocks from breaking.

In addition, the interlock arrangement shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the same consisting of the headrail 32 and the claw rail 40, is given appropriate dimensions such that it is extremely resistant to loads, and particularly to tensile loads. The tensile load capacity of this interlock arrangement is made to be so high that, when the tubular piles 52 are rammed into the earth, whereupon at least one of the tubular piles 52 becomes deformed or displaced to such a degree that the interlock(s) could break in a normal situation, the interlock arrangement consisting of the headrail 32 and the claw rail 40 does not break, but rather the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a, the same being engaged in each other, are elongated in such a manner that the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a, in an extreme case, no longer have a z-shape, but rather the flanks 12 and 14 run at least nearly in a common plane, and the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a have at this point been deformed into flat sheet piles. In other words, the z-shape of the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 a enables an elongation of the sheet pile wall segment 54 of the arrangement 50, such that even under extreme deformation of the tubular pile 52, the interlock(s) do not break, and in this way the function of the arrangement 50 as a sheet pile wall and/or as a combi sheet pile wall is not compromised.

FIG. 5 shows a second adaptation 10 b of the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1. The shape of the weldable sheet pile 10 b also substantially corresponds to the shape of the weldable sheet pile 10. The weldable sheet pile 10 b is different only in the shape of the interlock 30, the same being designed with the shape of a claw rail 60 with hook rails 62 which run along a symmetric course.

Each hook rail 62 in this case is not actually designed with a bow shape as in the first adaptation 10 b. Rather, each hook rail 62 has an at least nearly rectangular, short connecting segment 64 which is spaced apart from the free end of the second flank 14. A transition segment 66 which runs at least nearly parallel to the connecting segment 64 connects to the same, and the free end of said transition segment 66 transitions into another rectangular hook segment 68. The length of the hook segment 68 is selected such that an interlock jaw 70 remains. Due to the shape of the two hook rails 62, the claw rail 60 comprises an at least nearly square or rectangular interlock chamber 72.

In the arrangement 50 shown in FIG. 6, the sheet pile wall segment 54 is formed by the weldable sheet pile 10 b shown in FIG. 5 and by the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this case as well, the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 b are each welded onto one of the two tubular piles 52 and engage with the headrail 32 and the claw rail 60.

As shown in FIG. 7, wherein the interlock arrangement consisting of the headrail 32 and the claw rail 60 is shown enlarged, the use of the weldable sheet pile 10 b also offers the advantage that the headrail 32 and the claw rail 60, the same being engaged with each other, enable a pivot movement within a range from ±10° to ±20° beyond the neutral position N. In addition, the rectangular and/or square shape of the claw rail 60 additionally enables an extension of the headrail 32 within the claw rail 60 along the axial dimension of the two weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 b (viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet piles), such that even extremely deformed tubular piles 52 can be coupled to each other, wherein the same are bent in multiple locations along the length thereof. In addition, the interlock arrangement consisting of the headrail 32 and the claw rail 60 is constructed in such a manner and sized such that it can receive high tensile loads which are so high that the weldable sheet piles 10 and 10 b, also in FIG. 3, elongate before the interlocks break.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third and a fourth adaptation 10 c and 10 d of the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this case as well, the two weldable sheet piles 10 c and/or 10 d only differ from the weldable sheet pile 10 in the shape of the interlock 30. While the weldable sheet pile 10 c has a conventional, straight Larssen interlock 80, the weldable sheet pile 10 d has a Larssen interlock 82 which is offset with respect to the second flank 14. As can be readily seen, these two weldable sheet piles 10 c and 10 d are both likewise suited for the construction of an arrangement 50 wherein the sheet pile wall segment 54 is formed by the weldable sheet piles 10 c and 10 d which are arranged in the interstitial space between both of the tubular piles 52 (cf. FIG. 10). The Larssen interlock 82 in this case is designed on the weldable sheet pile 10 d with an offset, in such a manner that when the Larssen interlocks 80 and 82 are engaged with each other, the flanks 14 of the weldable sheet piles 10 c and 10 d run at least nearly in a common plane.

As further shown in FIG. 11, wherein the interlock arrangement is shown enlarged, the Larssen interlocks 80 and 82 are also sized and shaped in this case in such a manner that a pivot angle in the range from ±10° to ±20° beyond the neutral position N is preserved.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a further adaptation 10 e of the weldable sheet pile 10 shown in FIG. 1. In the case of this weldable sheet pile 10 e, a rounding 90 is designed on the free end of the first flank 12, said free end serving as a weld end, wherein this rounding 90 replaces the welding flange 26. The weldable sheet pile 10 e is then intended to be welded to a tubular pile via this rounding 90, for example. In this case, the formation of the welded seam is simplified by the rounding 90.

The weldable sheet pile 10 e shown in FIG. 12 can likewise have other interlock shapes rather than the headrail 32 shown, including the claw rail 40, the claw rail 60 or one of the two Larssen interlocks 80 and 82.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   10, 10 a to 10 e weldable sheet piles -   12 first flank -   14 second flank -   16 center web -   α angle -   β angle -   18 transition -   20 thickening -   R radius -   22 transition -   24 thickening -   26 welding flange -   28 flange side -   30 interlock -   32 headrail -   a primary axis -   b width -   c thickness of the oval -   d thickness of the second flank -   40 claw rail -   42 hook rail -   44 hook rail -   46 interlock chamber -   48 interlock jaw -   50 arrangement -   52 tubular pile -   54 sheet pile segment -   N neutral position -   60 claw rail -   62 hook rails -   64 connecting segment -   66 transition segment -   68 hook segment -   70 interlock jaw -   72 interlock chamber -   80 straight Larssen interlock -   82 offset Larssen interlock -   90 rounding 

1. A preformed weldable sheet pile having a consistent cross-section, for the purpose of constructing an arrangement of sheet pile wall components, and particularly for constructing a combi sheet pile wall, having a first flank (12), wherein a preformed weld end (26; 90) is constructed on the longitudinal edge of the first flank [(12)] for the purpose of being welded to a sheet pile wall component (62) of the arrangement (50), a second flank (14), wherein an interlock (30) is formed on the longitudinal edge of the second flank [(14)] for the purpose of linking into an interlock of a further sheet pile wall component of the arrangement (50), and a center web (16) which connects both of the flanks (12, 14) to each other and runs in a straight line, said center web [(16)] being angled with respect to each of the two flanks (12, 14), when viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile (10), in such a manner that the weldable sheet pile (10) is substantially z-shaped as viewed in cross-section.
 2. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 1, characterized in that the first flank (12) and the second flank (14) run in planes which are at least nearly parallel to each other.
 3. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the section modulus of the interlock (30) with respect to tensile forces is greater than the section modulus of the transition (18) between the first flank (12) and the center web (16), and is greater than the section modulus of the transition (22) between the second flank (14) and the center web (16).
 4. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the interlock (30) of the weldable sheet pile (10) is designed in such a manner and is sized such that an ability to pivot at least ±5° beyond the neutral position (N), and preferably at least ±10° beyond the neutral position (N), is preserved between the interlock (30) of the weldable sheet pile (10) and the interlock of the additional sheet wall component, the latter interlock linking into the former.
 5. A weldable sheet pile according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the weld end of the first flank (12) is designed in the form of a welding flange (26) which projects beyond the two flat sides of the first flank (12), wherein said welding flange [(26)] is intended to be placed abutting the sheet pile component (52) via the flange side (28) which faces away from the first flank (12), to be welded onto said sheet pile wall component [(52)], and wherein said welding flange [(26)] is molded onto the first flank (12) preferably at least nearly in the center thereof, as viewed in cross-section.
 6. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 5, characterized in that the flange side (28) which faces away from the first flank (12) is designed with a concave shape, as viewed in cross-section.
 7. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the welding flange (26) runs at a right angle to the first flank (12) as viewed in the cross-section of the weldable sheet pile (10).
 8. A weldable sheet pile according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the angle (α) between the center web (16) and the first flank (12) is within the range from 90° to 145°, and preferably within the range from 120° to 145°, and in that the angle (β) between the center web (16) and the second flank (14) is within the range from 90° to 145°, and preferably within the range from 120° to 145°.
 9. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 8, characterized in that the two angles (α, β) between the center web (16) and the two flanks (12, 14) are at least nearly identical.
 10. A weldable sheet pile according to at least one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a thickening (20, 24) of the material is included at the transition (18) of the first flank (12) into the center web (16) and at the transition (22) of the second flank (14) into the center web (16).
 11. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 10, characterized in that the thickenings (20, 24) of the material are each constructed on the inside corner of the respective transition (18, 22), and in that the thickenings (20, 24) of the material each transition gradually from the flat side of the respective flank (12, 14) into the flat side of the center web (16), forming a radius (R).
 12. A weldable sheet pile according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the interlock (30) is a headrail (32) with an oval cross-section, wherein the primary axis (a) of the oval of the headrail (32) runs at a right angle to the second flank (14), and the width (b) of the oval corresponds to a measure which is at least two to three times the material thickness (d) of the second flank (14), as viewed along the dimension of the primary axis (a).
 13. A weldable sheet pile according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the interlock (30) is, in cross-section, a claw rail (40, 60) having two hook rails (42, 44; 62) which run along a symmetric course with respect to the second flank (14), wherein the hook rails (42, 44; 62) delimit an interlock jaw (46; 70), and the thickness of each hook rail (42, 44; 62) preferably corresponds at least nearly to the material thickness (d) of the second flank (14).
 14. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 13, characterized in that the interlock chamber (48) enclosed by the two hook rails (42, 44), the same running along a bow-shaped course, is oval in cross-section, and the primary axis (a) of the oval runs perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the second flank (14).
 15. A weldable sheet pile according to claim 13, characterized in that each of the two symmetrically designed hook rails (62) has one short connecting segment (64) which runs at least nearly at a right angle to the second flank (14), and a transition segment (66) which runs at least nearly parallel to the second flank (14) connects to said connecting segment [(64)], wherein the free end of the transition segment [(66)] transitions into a hook segment (68) which runs at least nearly at a right angle to the second flank (14), such that the claw rail (60) encloses an at least nearly square or rectangular interlock chamber (72) as viewed in cross-section.
 16. A weldable sheet pile according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the interlock (30) constructed on the second flank (14) is designed as a Larssen interlock (80, 82), and the Larssen interlock (80, 82) is sized in such a manner that the Larssen interlock (80, 82) of the sheet pile wall components being linked into the Larssen interlock [(80, 82)] of the second flank [(14)] is able to pivot at least ±5° beyond the neutral position (N).
 17. An arrangement of sheet pile wall components, wherein a weldable sheet pile (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 16 is welded onto one of the sheet pile wall components (52), and a second sheet pile wall component is linked into the interlock (30) of the weldable sheet pile (10).
 18. An arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the sheet pile wall component having the weldable sheet pile (10) is a carrier and preferably a tubular pile (52).
 19. An arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the second sheet pile wall component is a second weldable sheet pile (10) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the latter is in turn welded onto a sheet pile wall component designed as a carrier, preferably onto a tubular pile (52). 